France, Feb. 12 -- The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) confirmed on Thursday that at least 38 people were killed, six remain missing and at least 374 were injured afterCyclone Gezani made landfall late Tuesday.

The storm slammed directly into Toamasina, also known as Tamatave- Madagascar's second-largest city and home to nearly 400,000 people.

Its violent gusts and torrential rains ravaged "up to 75 percent" of the city and its surroundings, according to Madagascar's new leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who took power four months ago following a military takeover.

In a statement Thursday, he called for "international solidarity" to support urgent relief operations.

More than 18,000 homes were destroyed, ...